Can checking only for hepatitis B antibodies determine whether someone has hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B refers to chronic viral hepatitis B. In general, testing only for hepatitis B antibodies cannot determine whether a person has chronic viral hepatitis B. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Chronic viral hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. Patients may experience symptoms such as aversion to oily foods, fatigue, reduced appetite, and discomfort in the liver area. Hepatitis B antibodies include hepatitis B surface antibody, hepatitis B e antibody, and hepatitis B core antibody. The results of these antibody tests can be influenced by various factors, such as prior hepatitis B vaccination, previous hepatitis B virus infection, or immune system disorders. Relying solely on these antibody test results to diagnose chronic viral hepatitis B may lead to misdiagnosis; therefore, hepatitis B antibodies alone are insufficient to determine whether there is a hepatitis B virus infection.
It is important to note that hepatitis B virus infection is a common liver disease. If hepatitis B infection is suspected, timely medical consultation is necessary to receive proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional.